World War I (of course, back in 1914 it was just called World War) was supposed to be the war that ended all wars. In the end, between 15 and 22 million people died. Both military and civilian. Battles included deadly trench warfare and the use of poison gas. Of course, we now know that World War I was not the last war by a long shot. Fatalities in World War II eclipsed those in the first war. By all measures World War I was a horror that devastated nations, families and individuals. And no one would say that we are fortunate that it occurred. But here are some outcomes of the war that could be seen as somewhat positive.
Because of the demands that the war placed on the workforce, women were forced to enter the factories to keep the nation and the war effort afloat as the majority of American men fought overseas. The talents and abilities of the female workforce were on full display and without them the war effort would have floundered. Two years after the war ended in 1918, women won the right to vote. Certainly their performance during the war was a major factor in victory in getting the vote.
The industrial output during the war caused the United States to go from a nation in debt to one that became a leading economic and financial power. United States farm production soared to supply food to war torn European countries. Again, no one can argue that the first world war was a good thing. But even the most heinous event has the potential for beneficial outcomes.
In the Gospel today, we see some of the aftermath of Jesus’ raising Lazarus from the dead. While some observers began to believe in Him as the awaited for Messiah, many instead went to inform the Pharisees of the events, leading to the religious authorities debating over how they should deal with Jesus. The concern was that all the attention Jesus was getting, and the following that he was sure to accumulate, would result in intervention from Rome. Potentially causing destruction of the temple and the Jewish nation. The solution? Caiaphas, the high priest that year, makes the proclamation that it is obvious that the death of one man can serve to save the nation. What he is referring to is that the death of Jesus can placate the Romans and disperse Jesus’ followers. Ending the folly the people had been caught up in. And as we know, Caiaphas’ wish comes true. Jesus is arrested, tried, convicted and crucified. Mission accomplished…right? Well, sort of.
Jesus’ death was devastating for His followers. It caused many to begin hiding in fear, leaving for their original homes, and returning to the work they had engaged in before following the Lord. Mary’s heart, as predicted by Simeon, was pierced in abject sorrow. Things could not be worse for the disciples. But the Romans back off in that the Jewish religious authorities go back to business as usual without Rome threatening their existence. It looks like Caiaphas got his wish that Jesus’ death would save the nation of Israel. But not in the way that he thought.
Jesus died. He died at the hands of the Romans by the insistence of the religious class of Jews. But the outcome of that seemingly fatalistic event was not the outcome that Caiaphas envisioned. It was not merely the salvation of the nation of Israel from the Romans. What Caiaphas did not imagine following Jesus’ death was the Resurrection. It was Jesus rising from the grave and drawing to Himself some Jews, yes, but way beyond that. His rising caused His message and His Church to circle the globe. To bring spiritual salvation, not just physical persistence, to all. Including the Gentiles. In fact, all who call upon His name come together as one. Without Caiaphas…and Pilate and Herod and all the chief priests….Jesus’ mission would not have come to fruition.
And in the Old Testament there is the story of Cyrus the Great. While the Jews were in captivity in Babylon the Persians, led by Cyrus, defeated the Babylonians and assumed control of the Jewish population. But here is the thing. Cyrus let the Jews return to their homeland and rebuild the city of Jerusalem and the Temple. Impossible to believe. But all things are possible with God. The Lord can take a seemingly awful situation and turn it over for good. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers but he eventually became the second in command in Egypt. Helping his brothers, his Father Jacob and his people to survive a famine. The Mede King, Darius, threw Daniel to lions because he would not worship him. But when God saved Daniel, Darius commanded his subjects to worship the God of Daniel.
I am sure we all can name circumstances that looked dire and you saw no way out. But, over time, you did survive and good came out of the ordeal. For me, it was the fear of failure at College that led me to an Evangelical group on campus for several months. It led me back to Scripture and it eventually led me back to my Catholic faith. A journey I am still on today. Oh, and there is Elise’s story. When she was in high school she dated a guy for several years and they were on a path to getting engaged. That is, until he decided to cheat on her. She left him. Why is that good? Because then she found me!! A pretty awesome outcome, even if I do say so myself! Ah yes. My humility sometimes even amazes myself.
